Boone and Winnebago Labor Availability Study Released
NEWS from THE WORKFORCE CONNECTION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2007
Study Finds More than 65,000 Workers Available for Area Businesses
A new study of the available workforce in the Boone and Winnebago County area, compiled and prepared by The Pathfinders, concludes there are 65,500 potential employees locally for new or expanding businesses.
According to the report, compiled using available statistics and random telephone interviews, the Boone and Winnebago Counties “labor shed” includes about 16,800 unemployed persons actively seeking work and an additional pool of about 46,200 workers who are currently employed and have indicated an interest in changing jobs.
“This report provides important information that we can share with companies interested in expanding or relocating in northern Illinois,” according to Janyce Fadden, President of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. “One of the first questions asked by companies considering expansion in this area is about the available workforce.”
The study suggests an additional 2500 people, neither employed nor seeking work, might re-enter the workforce if the right job became available.
The report tracks existing pay scales and indicates what pay is necessary for a person to consider changing jobs.
Pathfinders also interviewed senior management and human resources professionals from area companies to determine their views of the workforce and its skills.
Employers gave 91% excellent or good scores on worker productivity and reliability and an 88% excellent or good score on worker attitudes. 76% of employers rated the reading competency of workers as good, while 70% said the same thing about writing skills.
Employers had a mixed response on the availability of skilled and technical workers in the study area.
“The shortage of skilled and technical workers is a common complaint among employers,” said Darcy Bucholz, Executive Director of the Boone and Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Board, “This is not unique to this area, but we are working hard to help companies meet these demands.”
A companion report on the commuting habits of persons living in the two-county area finds that about 26% of workers commute to jobs outside their home county. More than a quarter of those commuting do so for a better salary and benefits with an average one-way commute of 40 miles. 73% would consider taking a comparable job in Boone/Winnebago County if one became available.
“The information in the report clearly shows that expansion of the job base does not have to equate into population growth in our county; the workers already live in our laborshed,” said C. Mark Williams, Executive Director of Growth Dimensions. “By targeting our recruitment efforts to businesses that match the skill base and desired pay range of the commuting and underemployed worker we can grow a stronger, more stable economy.”
Winnebago County Economic Regional Planning and Development Director Sue Mroz added the County’s support for this effort. “Among the Chairman Christensen’s goals for the County are increasing workforce preparedness, partnering with education and supporting the activities of the Workforce Investment Board. We’re also looking at alternatives to incarceration and helping ex-offenders become productive citizens when they re-enter the workforce.”
The study was completed at the request of the Boone and Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Board, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, Growth Dimensions of Belvidere and Boone County and Winnebago County Economic Development.
The Pathfinders functions as a site-selection consultant to many of America’s largest corporations. The firm is based in Dallas, Texas.
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Media contact:
John Strandin, PR Manager
Boone and Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Bd.
815-395-6688
To view the entire report, Click Here.
